Lionel Messi produced a stunning hat-trick to claim the Major League Soccer (MLS) Golden Boot and lead Inter Miami to a 5-2 win over Nashville SC on Saturday night.
The Argentine superstar capped off a remarkable regular season with 29 goals in 28 matches, finishing ahead of LAFC’s Denis Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge, who both ended with 24 goals.
Messi’s treble not only earned him his first MLS Golden Boot, but also strengthened his case for a second consecutive MLS Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, as Inter Miami secured third place in the Eastern Conference ahead of the playoffs.
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“What can I say about Leo?” said Inter head coach Javier Mascherano. “Today he was exceptional, as he usually is. He’s been the difference all season, and I’m sure he’ll be named MVP again.”
Nashville started strongly, missing several early chances before Messi broke the deadlock in the 34th minute, curling a trademark left-footed strike into the bottom corner after a clever pass from Jordi Alba.
Nashville equalised nine minutes later through Sam Surridge, who nodded home from Hany Mukhtar’s delivery, before Jacob Shaffelburg made it 2-1 on the stroke of halftime, slotting in the rebound after Mukhtar’s shot hit the post.
Telasco Segovia added a fifth in stoppage time to complete the rout and send Nashville reeling.
The win ensures Inter Miami enter the MLS Cup Playoffs in top form, with Messi set to face Nashville again in the first round on October 24 — a rematch now loaded with anticipation after the Argentine’s latest masterclass.
